Parshas Korach 5785 - A Thankless Job

This week’s parsha focuses on another rebellion, this time spearheaded by Korach. Moshe attempts to reconcile with Korach, and then with Dasan and Aviram, but these efforts proved fruitless and are met with scorn (see Bamidbar 16:8-14). The Torah then describes Moshe’s reaction:

“This distressed Moshe greatly, and he said to Hashem, ‘Do not turn to their offering (מנחתם). I have not taken even a single donkey of theirs, nor have I wronged a single one of them.” (16:15).

This pasuk raises two key questions. What specific offering is Moshe referring to? Moreover, what does Moshe mean by emphasizing that he has not taken “even a single donkey”?

The Seforno explains that Moshe told Hashem not to accept any kind of offering from the rebels – even one which would enable them to attain repentance for their actions. At first glance, this seems deeply troubling. Isn’t teshuvah—repentance—a foundational principle of the Torah? How could Moshe request that Hashem ignore a sinner’s sincere attempt to return?

The Seforno clarifies: While Hashem readily accepts repentance for sins between man and God, transgressions between people require the wrongdoer to seek forgiveness from the person they harmed. As the Talmud states: “Sins committed between man and his fellow man are not atoned for on Yom Kippur unless he appeases his fellow.” (Yoma 85b). In this case, Moshe was the wronged party and was not appeased. Therefore, he directed Hashem to not forgive the actions of the rebels.

Why would Moshe, who had previously pleaded with Hashem to forgive even the sin of the Golden Calf (Shemos 32:12 and other places), now refuse to pardon Korach and his followers?

The Seforno explains that the answer lies in Moshe’s declaration: “I have not taken even a single donkey from them.” Unlike many leaders who benefit materially from their positions, Moshe lived a life of total selflessness. He asked for nothing, took nothing, and gave everything. The rebellion against him was not just a rejection of his leadership—it was a betrayal of gratitude.

Moshe had withstood many complaints in the past: fear at the Red Sea, thirst in the wilderness, hunger, and even the terrible sin of the Golden Calf. However this time was different. The rebellion of Korach was rooted in ingratitude—a denial of all the good that Moshe had done on their behalf.

Gratitude is a core trait of a Jew. In fact, the very name Yehudi (Jew) comes from the name  יהודה (Judah). When Leah gave birth to him, she said: “Let me gratefully thank (אודה) Hashem; therefor she called his name Yehudah.” (Beraishis 29:35). To be a Jew is to constantly recognize the blessings that we receive from others and from Hashem.

In contrast, the lack of gratitude undermines the basic principles of a Jew. Our Sages said, “Whoever is ungrateful to his friend, will in the end, show a lack of appreciation to G-d, as well.” The paradigm of ingratitude is Adam. When Hashem confronted Adam for eating fruit from the forbidden tree, Adam blamed Hashem: “The woman whom You gave to be with me – she gave me of the tree.” (Beraishis 3:12). Instead of taking responsibility for his actions, Adam blamed others - revealing ingratitude to both his wife and Hashem.

Moshe could forgive many things – but not ingratitude. As we read this parsha, we are reminded to cultivate gratitude. Let us be mindful to not only thank Hashem for the blessings that He gives us, but to always thank those who help us, appreciate those who care for us, and never take our blessings for granted. In doing so, we exemplify the very name of our religion, Judaism, the faith of those who show appreciation.